Deep Rising [1998]

Here’s another classical nineties monster-attacks flick. So, do not expected a deep and complicated plot, developed characters or anything like that. What you can expect is lots of action and fun scenes. Just accept it as it is and you will enjoy this roller-coaster of monster chasing, hilarious one-liners and subtle humor. This was actually supposed to be a really big movie with Harrison Ford in a lead role, however those plans did not come to fruition and the budget was downsized. Treat Williams, best known for his iconic roles in Hair and Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead, did a really good job here. My eternal crush Famke was gorgeous as always, with Djimon Hounsou, Jason Flemyng and Cliff Curtis, helping out. Deep Rising is directed by Stephen Sommers, so if you have seen The Mummy you know what to expect. As a very competent director, Sommers knew what he was doing here. He knew that this is a cheesy action/comedy with a monster in it and then he said: let’s see if we can make it fun.

Argonautica, a very sleek and modern cruiser, personally designed by millionaire Simon Canton, is a about to begin its maiden voyage. At the same time, a group of hijackers is getting ready to storm the ship and rob it. Filled with rich passengers and luxury items, the cruiser is the perfect target. However, when an unidentified object collides with their ship, leaving them stranded in the middle of the ocean, things will take turn for worse.

Trapped in this huge ship, with a giant monster trying to kill everyone on board, Deep Rising is another fun clone of Alien. It’s a much more fun and entertaining movie then serious entries into sea horrors like Sphere and Abyss. Special effects were done by Rob Bottin (The Thing, RoboCop) and they look pretty great. Especially practical effects and the dead bodies, which brings us to another great element of this movie: gore. The deaths are pretty gruesome sometimes, they reminded me of another movie that involves sea and monsters: Deep Blue Sea. This is just one of those cool movies that somehow gets away with hollow characters and formulaic story. So, if you want to relax and watch some entertaining action involving closed environment and a giant monster, this is the right movie for you. Dive into this guilty pleasure and enjoy.